Thumbs down to no July 4 fireworks

JEERS to the news that Harrisburg might not have fireworks July 4. As Patriot-News columnist Laura Vecsey noted, there are plenty of political fireworks in the city, but kids don’t find those amusing. Here’s hoping the city can partner with the Senators, the symphony orchestra and local businesses to ensure a bright and well-lit Independence Day.
CHEERS to the owners of Eastland Alpacas in Lancaster, Kevin and Sue Zurin. They are donating more than 200 pounds of alpaca fleece from their farm to send to help clean up the BP oil spill because alpaca hair is absorbent (more so than human hair). Way to make a contribution to a hairy situation in the gulf.

Fireworks lit up the sky at the end of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra's performance at the American Music Fest on July 3, 2009. The American Music Fest is going on this weekend at Riverfront Park.
REBECCA BARNETT, The Patriot-News
JEERS to any parents or coaches who try to throw youth sports games in underhanded ways. It was almost unbelievable to read this week that Michael Kman, a coach in a Harrisburg Catholic rec basketball league, is accused of attempting to bribe referees by paying them $2,500 each to ensure his team won. Foul play indeed.

CHEERS to Burton “Buddy” Reisman of Lower Allen Twp. for his nearly lifelong commitment to the Boy Scouts of America. Reisman, now 90, joined the Scouts when he was young, working his way up to Eagle Scout. As an adult, he spent 30 years assisting the Keystone Area chapter, including setting up the first troop for mentally disabled boys. As the Boy Scouts celebrate their centennial this year, it is people such as Reisman who have always “been prepared” and made the organization outstanding.

JEERS to the proposal to turn the long-standing Hempt Farms on Carlisle Pike across from Cumberland Valley High School into a commercial space. It’s one of the last farms left on the pike and many, including the thousands of school kids across the street, enjoy seeing the horses. In this case, I say keep it green and horsin’ around.

CHEERS to all of our men and women serving in the military. Today is Armed Forces Day, dedicated to those currently serving. Whether or not you attended the events such as on City Island or in Carlisle, be sure to thank service members. A salute of gratitude to you all.

Heather LongCHEERS to the news the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area is expanding with a much needed new wing. Sounds like a doggone good idea for the oft overcrowded facility.

Finally, a JEER to me. I try to call them as I see them, but it seems I got one wrong last week when I jeered pitcher Stephen Strasburg for not signing autographs. Several readers and the general manger of the Harrisburg Senators wrote in to set the record straight. Their responses are below. It seems I was the one who struck out on this one.

Heather Long is deputy editorial page editor. 255-8104 or hlong@pnco.com.

--------------------------------------------Readers React

Shawn Clark from Albright College: “I saw [Stephen Strasburg] pitch in Reading while the Senators were on the road. That night was a doubleheader because the game the night before was postponed due to rain. I saw him pitch the first game in which the Senators ended up winning.
After the second game was over, I was waiting by the Senators’ dugout hoping to get Strasburg to sign my ball. Unfortunately, he did not get to my position in line and I never did get that autograph. However, he did sign autographs that night for a half-hour after the game. In fact, the Senators’ manager had to come out of the locker room and tell Strasburg to stop signing because the rest of the team was showered and ready to get on the road. He is an amazing pitcher, and he stood in cold and rainy Reading signing autographs. I felt obliged to tell this story.”

Charles Gary Signor of Susquehanna Twp. put it this way: “Before you condemn young Stephen Strasburg for refusing to sign autographs, please become better informed. You doubtless missed this story in The Washington Post by a reporter who gives us insight and a more than superficial treatment of the subject.” (The April 23 article follows a day in the life of Strasburg and tells how he is hounded for autographs and does sign quite a few that were mailed in or as he is walking to the bus).

Randy Whitaker, general manager of the Harrisburg Senators, also wanted to set the record straight. “In fact, Strasburg signed many autographs while in Harrisburg before and after games for kids and adults. This despite being stalked by aggressive autograph seekers that even went so far as to follow him to his home after the game. I’m not sure I’d be so open to signing anything under those conditions yet he did. He was not the most animated player on the field, but arrogant he was not.”